For the new year, I have decided to ask some of the most respected industry leaders to share their thoughts on success.
Thank you to Norm Hullinger, the CEO of alphabroder, for sharing his valuable advice.
First question: In your years of experience in our industry, what do you think the most financially successful people in our industry have in common?
Norm’s advice: “I think the most financially successful people in our industry are incredibly well balanced. That is, they can be very focused and intense with regard to their business, but still very human and approachable when dealing with their customers and coworkers.”
Second question: What advice would you give someone that wants to become very financially successful?
Norm’s advice: “My only advice to someone pursuing financial success in our industry would be to always remember to always treat the person on the other side of every conversation, email or negotiation with the utmost respect, and remember that they are simply trying to do their job. I would remind people to remember how it felt when you were just starting your career and had little leverage and ‘juice.’ I would guess that everyone simply wanted to be treated with respect. We should all remind ourselves of that, and act accordingly.”
What I appreciate most from Norm’s words is that these are all very achievable and admirable characteristics to run our business and our lives by, which I’m sure we would all choose. The bottom line is you can do it. Success is not rocket science. Success is the result of choices all of us could and should make every day.
Thanks again, Norm.
